I believe that true success begins with authenticity—with being true to ourselves and to others. At my induction, I shared that I could not know the kind of president I might have been before losing my father on January 7th, but what I do know is the kind of president I want to be now: one who leads in his honor and continues my father’s legacy. These first three months as President of Roswell Rotary have been filled with hard work, great energy, and countless moments of pride. I hope you share in that pride, because everything we’ve accomplished has been the result of our collective effort. It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve as your President.

That said, it is important to remember that, as Peter Drucker once wrote, “Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.” With that spirit in mind, I am introducing something new: a Quarterly Report on our club’s progress. Each quarter, I’ll share updates in three key areas—Membership, Giving, and Community Service. This will help us measure our impact, celebrate our successes, and stay focused on the goals we’ve set together. My aim is not to lead with ego, but to honor the trust you have placed in me and to serve each and every one of you well in this role.

#1 Membership: Strength in Numbers - “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson

Goal: Add 50 new members this year (we need 35 more applicants)

Where We Stand:

• Total Members: 230 (Main Club -197 at start of year and 213 today.  We also have 17 in Roswell Rotary After Hours)
• Losses: 1 in Rotary, 2 in RRAH
• RESULTS: New Members -15 added, net growth of 12 

Courtney Lott and her team are doing an outstanding job—our pipeline of prospective members is strong. But the truth is, membership is everyone’s responsibility. It is the lifeblood of our club—the source of fresh energy, new ideas, and more hands to serve. To support this effort, we’ve been intentional about bringing in high-caliber speakers to make our meetings engaging and attractive for guests. But the most powerful invitation will always come from you. You know who makes a great Rotarian.

So here’s my challenge: make a personal commitment to help us bring in at least one new member this year. If not this year, then next year under Leslie’s leadership. If every Rotarian brought just one new member, we could double our size in a single year.  To make this commitment tangible, please join us by signing a membership pledge card (thank you, Mickey Deaton, for the idea). I’ll be reaching out personally in the weeks ahead, because together we can accomplish something remarkable.

#2 Giving: Investing in a Better Tomorrow – “No one has ever become poor by giving” -Anne Frank

This quarter, your generosity has been nothing short of inspiring.

Charitable Giving Goal: $300,000

Our Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament was a tremendous success. The level of support and generosity left me inspired, rejuvenated, and in awe. We’re finalizing totals now, but it’s safe to say we’ve reached a level worth celebrating.

The Rotary Foundation Goal: $20,000

This past week, more than 30 Roswell Rotarians were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, with many moving up to higher levels. To be a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotarian must personally give $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. These contributions fuel projects around the world—clean water, education, peacebuilding, and disease prevention—and also flow back into our own community here in Roswell. This was not just a strong beginning—it was a testament to the generosity and commitment that defines Roswell Rotary. Today we are $6,049 in new monies toward our $20,000 goal.

PolioPlus Goal: $8,000

Since Rotary launched its fight against polio, global cases have been reduced by 99.9%. Over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been immunized, thanks to Rotary’s leadership and partnerships around the globe. But the fight isn’t finished. Experts warn that if eradication efforts stopped now, polio could paralyze up to 200,000 children every year within a decade. That’s why on October 4, Roswell Rotary is partnering with Athens-area clubs for the first-ever Rotary Polio Tailgate in Athens before the Georgia vs. Kentucky game. It’s a chance to raise awareness, generate funds, and remind the world that Rotary won’t stop until polio is gone. Please join us—or connect with Bob Hagan or Lee Hollingsworth to learn how you can help.  We are $0 towards our goal.

#3 Community Service: Impact at Home - “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Our service in the first quarter has been both wide-ranging and impactful. Highlights include:

• An incredible Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament
• Packing backpacks with Huskies Helping Huskies
• Helping launch the Student Leadership Council with the City of Roswell
• Sweep the Hooch River cleanup
• Volunteering at the Roswell Arts Festival
• Hosting blood drives and supporting Meals on Wheels
• Memorial Day Remembrance Event
• Supporting First responders with 5k, Cops & Cars, Hero Program

Upcoming Events:

• Rotary Polio Tailgate in Athens before UGA vs. Kentucky – October 4
• First Responders Family Farm Day at Gary Garrett’s farm – October 12
• Polio Cornhole Tournament - TBD
• Dinner for ER staff during National ER Nurses Week
• Youth Day Parade- October 4
• Wednesday Bloody Wednesday Blood Drive October 15 
• Packing Holiday  Boxes for Platoon November TBA
• Backpacks for Homeless Veterans TBA

A Reflection on Our First Quarter

As I look back, I am humbled by the energy, generosity, and dedication of this club. Whether it’s welcoming new members, giving sacrificially to our Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Tournament or The Rotary Foundation, or rolling up our sleeves to serve, Roswell Rotary continues to embody the spirit of Service Above Self.

We have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Together, we are not only serving today—we are building a legacy that will shape generations to come. Thank you for making Roswell Rotary the best Rotary Club in the world.

Sic Vos Non Vobus

Trummie Lee Patrick III
President Roswell Rotary 2025-26